Larry Ragle, Co-Founder

 

 

Larry Ragle started his first three bonsai in 1962 and they are still alive. Larry graduated from U. C. Berkeley in forensic science, and while attending became a Patrol/Investigator for the City of Berkeley.  He eventually retired as the Director of Forensic Sciences, Orange County Sheriff-Coroner.  Larry continued his education in, and further his interest in Bonsai.  He studied with John Naka beginning in 1966 and then with Harry Hirao in 1974.  Harry and Larry created Kofu Bonsai Kai in 1977.  He is a past president of Golden State Bonsai Federation,  California Bonsai Society and of Kofu Bonsai Kai.  He is a member of several Bonsai organizations including Nan Pu Bonsai Kai, John Naka’s select club.  Larry and his wife Nina founded California Aiseki Kai, a Suiseki (viewing stone) club.  Larry authored the text for Awakening the Soul, a book about the viewing stone collection at the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum.  He was chairman of GSBF collection south which established the collection at the Huntington Library and Gardens. He along with others established California Shohin Society.  He currently sits on the Board of Directors for the National Bonsai Foundation, Washington D.C. Larry still lectures and demonstrates on Bonsai and Suiseki.